My Dear Brother, It was with surprise, sadness and concern that we received the news about the participation - without permission from the diocesan bishop of Ohio - of the Brazilian Bishop Robinson Cavalcanti, diocesan Bishop of Recife of the Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil, in a confirmation service of 110 people in the state of Ohio, together with five retired bishops of ECUSA, as his participation has been stated in the press “as illustrating international support for the measures.”

A proposal by the UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, to extend spousal benefits to the partners of gay UN officials has outraged representatives of the organisation's 51 Islamic nations, some of which outlaw homosexuality altogether. The Vatican's envoy to the UN has also expressed dismay, prompting fears among Mr Annan's aides of a joint Roman Catholic-Muslim crusade.

"We want to encourage congregations to consider alignment with the
national Network of Anglican Communion Dioceses and Parishes," said
Eric Crawford, a member of St. James. His group would like congregants
who disagree with Episcopal Church actions to "know that they have
alternatives. We want to encourage people to not give up and not go
along (with changes) or bail for another denomination or other
churches."

Bishop Wantland: Several of us were asked to be a part of this effort, and the initial request came from St. Luke's Church, Akron, in concert with five other congregations. I was asked if I knew other senior bishops who might take part. There were five of us available, and several more who wanted to take part, but were already committed for March 14. I do think this will encourage others to take part in the future, should this be necessary.